04/28/2004 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 28, 2004 No citizen comments were made. 5. ACTION ITEMS 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Comprehensive Water Plan Asleson stated that the plan was a good idea. He indicated he was asked to bring the plan to the Board, but recently found it had already been approved. Chair Kukonen mentioned that he did not realize that the City was getting fined by the DNR. Asleson discussed soil problems and how it can affect water use. Chair Kukonen responded that it might be good for the Board to emphasize deep-tilling the soil to decrease compaction and soil layering. O’Connell inquired if the plan only affected people on city water. She questioned if it would be better to enforce it throughout the City. O’Connell believed that the fine should be more than $25.00. Chair Kukonen inquired about the reason the water use was high in the fourth quarter. The Board speculated reasons could range from skating rinks, to watering heavily for newly sodded lawns, to new plantings into October. Bor stated that the City should circulate literature concerning the new plan. O’Dea added that the fine should be mentioned. Smith inquired if staff knew the locations at risk for turf failure. Asleson responded that turf problems would begin after 6-7 years. O’Dea mentioned that barley hay was being used in some areas to treat ponds instead of chemicals. Asleson answered that it was a lot of work. Bauman stated that Pheasant Hills had barley hay sacks in all their ponds. Smith inquired about the frequency that they required changing. Bauman responded she was unsure. Smith inquired if the ban was only effective in the second and third quarters. Asleson answered that the DNR was not discriminating by the use. O’Connell inquired if there were several new homeowners putting in sod before winter. Asleson responded that residents were putting in sod until Thanksgiving. 2 APPROVED MINUTES